Our next autumn talk takes place on Saturday 10 October at 11am in Buswells Hotel. It will be less of a talk and more of a recital. Our chairperson, James McCreanor, has arranged for two very fine singers to perform a few of their favourite pieces. Charlotte Finnegan Quirke is a soprano and is currentlyContinue reading “Rising Voices”
Category Archives: Talks
From Oklahoma! to Phantom: A Journey Through the Golden Age of Musical Theatre
Join us for a talk that traces the extraordinary arc of the musical – from the operetta glamour of Hollywood’s early years, through the birth of the modern book musical, all the way to the sweeping, sung-through spectacles that fill theatres today. David Clark’s talk will begin in the world of Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald, whose lushContinue reading “From Oklahoma! to Phantom: A Journey Through the Golden Age of Musical Theatre”
Autumn season of talks confirmed
Our 2026 series of spring talks concluded with Michael McDermott delivering a universally praised journey through his favourite tunes from musicals, opera and popular song. The dates for our autumn series of talks have now been confirmed: September 12th October 10th November 7th December 5th Details for the talks have yet to be confirmed. WeContinue reading “Autumn season of talks confirmed”
Favourite Pieces of the Past
Join us next Saturday, the 9 May, for a captivating illustrated talk led by Michael McDermott, in which he guides us through twenty carefully chosen pieces drawn from the great operatic repertoire, the concert hall, and the broader world of classical and popular song. The talk also pays tribute to the legendary Irish tenor JohnContinue reading “Favourite Pieces of the Past”
Thomas Moore’s Irish Melodies
We are delighted to welcome our Chairperson, James McCreanor, to deliver our next spring talk that takes place on Saturday 11 April at 11am in Buswells Hotel. James’ talk will explore the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Thomas Moore, one of Ireland’s most celebrated poets and songwriters. Born in Dublin in 1779, Moore captivatedContinue reading “Thomas Moore’s Irish Melodies”
THE GREAT COMPOSERS: FROM HANDEL TO KORNGOLD
We’re delighted to welcome back David Clarke for our next talk on Saturday, March 14th, at 11am in Buswells Hotel. David’s talk will be a journey through time, an exploration of operatic brilliance spanning from the grandeur of the Baroque to the rich colors of Modernism. Beginning with the noble architecture of George Frideric HandelContinue reading “THE GREAT COMPOSERS: FROM HANDEL TO KORNGOLD”
Spring Talks
Our spring talks commence on Saturday the 14th February. The other three talks in the series will take place on the following dates: March 14 – Jim Ryan Aprils 11 – David Clarke May 9 – Michael McDermot Martin Dwan, the producer and director of the The Peoples’ Tenor, the critically acclaimed documentary on theContinue reading “Spring Talks”
John McCormack Sings Songs of Poets and Composers
Pat O’Reilly’s upcoming talk on the 6th December, John McCormack Sings Songs of Poets and Composers, offers a captivating journey through the life and legacy of Ireland’s most celebrated tenor. Blending rich historical detail with engaging anecdote, Pat will explore McCormack’s remarkable recordings, extensive travels, celebrated concert career, and the critical acclaim that followed himContinue reading “John McCormack Sings Songs of Poets and Composers”
Humour in the history of sound recording
We’re delighted to welcome back Gordon Ledbetter for our November talk. Gordon outlines below what attendees can expect. Humour in the history of sound recording, looks at humour in its widest sense and how it has reflected society’s tastes and mores. It is not true to say Caruso in the early 1900s made the gramophone. He certainlyContinue reading “Humour in the history of sound recording”
Music to Inspire and Soothe
David Clarke returns once more to deliver what promises to be another unforgettable journey through the world of singing. “Music to Inspire and Soothe” celebrates the timeless power of the human voice through performances by some of the world’s most cherished singers. From the golden warmth of John McCormack and the haunting beauty of RenataContinue reading “Music to Inspire and Soothe”
